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Marines

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An MV-22B Osprey lands aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship Ise Nov. 12 after taking off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa only an hour prior. This marks the first time that an MV-22B Osprey landed aboard a JMSDF ship in the Asia-Pacific region. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, currently assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew S. Myers/Released)

An MV-22B Osprey lands aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship Ise Nov. 12 after taking off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa only an hour prior. This marks the first time that an MV-22B Osprey landed aboard a JMSDF ship in the Asia-Pacific region. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, currently assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew S. Myers/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthrew Myers

Japanese Media film Marines and Sailors of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, as they prepare to depart in a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 12 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Marines and Sailors from the 3rd MEB are deploying to the Philippines to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the wake of typhoon Haiyan. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has directed U.S. Pacific Command to support U.S. Government HADR operations in the Philippines. To date, approximately 300 personnel from 3rd MEB have deployed to the Philippines to support the HADR operations. The aircraft is with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Japanese Media film Marines and Sailors of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, as they prepare to depart in a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 12 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Marines and Sailors from the 3rd MEB are deploying to the Philippines to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the wake of typhoon Haiyan. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has directed U.S. Pacific Command to support U.S. Government HADR operations in the Philippines. To date, approximately 300 personnel from 3rd MEB have deployed to the Philippines to support the HADR operations. The aircraft is with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Donald T. Peterson

Marines load palletized equipment onto a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 11 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, during preparation for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Philippine officials will have a better idea of the damage and death toll in the coming days as transportation and communications systems are repaired.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey/Released)

Marines load palletized equipment onto a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 11 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, during preparation for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Philippine officials will have a better idea of the damage and death toll in the coming days as transportation and communications systems are repaired. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 11 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, to depart for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines following Super Typhoon Haiyan. The initial focus of U.S. relief efforts includes surface maritime search and rescue (SAR), airborne maritime SAR, medium-heavy helicopter lift support, fixed-wing lift support and logistics enablers. The aircraft is with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Marines are with III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey/Released)

Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 11 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, to depart for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines following Super Typhoon Haiyan. The initial focus of U.S. relief efforts includes surface maritime search and rescue (SAR), airborne maritime SAR, medium-heavy helicopter lift support, fixed-wing lift support and logistics enablers. The aircraft is with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Marines are with III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Marines load palletized equipment onto a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 11 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, during preparation for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan. Approximately 300 Marines and Sailors assigned to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force have deployed to the Philippines to assess support requirements. Since 1990, the U.S. Government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country’s government, ranging from volcanic eruptions, drought, and population displacement.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey/Released)

Marines load palletized equipment onto a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 11 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, during preparation for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan. Approximately 300 Marines and Sailors assigned to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force have deployed to the Philippines to assess support requirements. Since 1990, the U.S. Government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country’s government, ranging from volcanic eruptions, drought, and population displacement. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Chief Warrant Officer Allen T. Leiper uses cargo nets to secure palletized equipment Nov. 11 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The equipment was later loaded onto a KC-130J Hercules aircraft to be used during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan. The typhoon has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Leiper is an embarkation officer with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey/Released)

Chief Warrant Officer Allen T. Leiper uses cargo nets to secure palletized equipment Nov. 11 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The equipment was later loaded onto a KC-130J Hercules aircraft to be used during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan. The typhoon has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Leiper is an embarkation officer with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Pfc. Arturo Menchaca uses hand signals to direct Lance Cpl. Bryce E. Sanglay as he drives an extended boom forklift at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 10 during preparation for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Approximately 90 U.S. Marines and Sailors from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade departed on two KC-130J Hercules aircraft. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has directed U.S. Pacific Command to support U.S. Government humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Sanglay is a logistics and embarkation specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Menchaca is an engineer equipment operator with III MEF Headquarters Group. The aircraft are with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Pfc. Arturo Menchaca uses hand signals to direct Lance Cpl. Bryce E. Sanglay as he drives an extended boom forklift at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 10 during preparation for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Approximately 90 U.S. Marines and Sailors from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade departed on two KC-130J Hercules aircraft. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has directed U.S. Pacific Command to support U.S. Government humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Sanglay is a logistics and embarkation specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Menchaca is an engineer equipment operator with III MEF Headquarters Group. The aircraft are with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Marines secure gear onto a pallet Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma during preparation for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. A forward command element and humanitarian assistance survey team, led by Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, the deputy commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, are deploying to the Philippines from Okinawa to provide an initial assessment on the support required. The initial focus of U.S. relief efforts includes surface maritime search and rescue (SAR), airborne maritime SAR, medium-heavy helicopter lift support, fixed-wing lift support and logistics enablers. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Marines secure gear onto a pallet Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma during preparation for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. A forward command element and humanitarian assistance survey team, led by Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, the deputy commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, are deploying to the Philippines from Okinawa to provide an initial assessment on the support required. The initial focus of U.S. relief efforts includes surface maritime search and rescue (SAR), airborne maritime SAR, medium-heavy helicopter lift support, fixed-wing lift support and logistics enablers. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Marines preparing to depart for the Philippines stack their gear on a pallet Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Approximately 90 U.S. Marines and Sailors from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade departed on two KC-130J Hercules aircraft. The initial focus of U.S. relief efforts includes surface maritime search and rescue (SAR), airborne maritime SAR, medium-heavy helicopter lift support, fixed-wing lift support and logistics enablers. The aircraft are with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Marines preparing to depart for the Philippines stack their gear on a pallet Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Approximately 90 U.S. Marines and Sailors from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade departed on two KC-130J Hercules aircraft. The initial focus of U.S. relief efforts includes surface maritime search and rescue (SAR), airborne maritime SAR, medium-heavy helicopter lift support, fixed-wing lift support and logistics enablers. The aircraft are with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, moments before departing for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Since 1990, the U.S. Government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country’s government, ranging from volcanic eruptions, drought, and population displacement. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, moments before departing for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Since 1990, the U.S. Government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country’s government, ranging from volcanic eruptions, drought, and population displacement. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, moments before departing for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Since 1990, the U.S. Government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country’s government, ranging from volcanic eruptions, drought, and population displacement. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, moments before departing for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Since 1990, the U.S. Government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country’s government, ranging from volcanic eruptions, drought, and population displacement. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, moments before departing for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Since 1990, the U.S. Government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country’s government, ranging from volcanic eruptions, drought, and population displacement. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, moments before departing for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Since 1990, the U.S. Government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country’s government, ranging from volcanic eruptions, drought, and population displacement. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Lance Cpl. Elijah L. Gates loads a pallet of gear onto a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, during preparation for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Philippine officials will have a better idea of the damage and death toll in the coming days as transportation and communications systems are repaired. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Lance Cpl. Elijah L. Gates loads a pallet of gear onto a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, during preparation for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines. Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Philippine officials will have a better idea of the damage and death toll in the coming days as transportation and communications systems are repaired. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey

Lt. Col. Jason W. Julian, center right, presents a plaque of appreciation to Lt. Col. Nick Brown Oct. 28 at the Ie Shima Training Facility. Julian is the commanding officer of VMGR-152, MAG-36, 1st MAW, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of MWSS-172, 1st MAW.

Lt. Col. Jason W. Julian, center right, presents a plaque of appreciation to Lt. Col. Nick Brown Oct. 28 at the Ie Shima Training Facility. Julian is the commanding officer of VMGR-152, MAG-36, 1st MAW, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of MWSS-172, 1st MAW.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie Rostran

Cpl. Dylan M. Burke, right, and Cpl. Dylan L. Dedmon embark the M1161 internally transportable vehicle aboard an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Oct. 23 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. “The ITV is designed to fit inside aircraft hulls like the Osprey,” said Dedmon. “We can drive into or out of the hull and get carried off to our mission destination. Then once it lands, we can drive out just the same.” Dedmon and Burk are reconnaissance men with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Photo by Lance Cpl. Henry J. Antenor/Released)

Cpl. Dylan M. Burke, right, and Cpl. Dylan L. Dedmon embark the M1161 internally transportable vehicle aboard an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Oct. 23 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. “The ITV is designed to fit inside aircraft hulls like the Osprey,” said Dedmon. “We can drive into or out of the hull and get carried off to our mission destination. Then once it lands, we can drive out just the same.” Dedmon and Burk are reconnaissance men with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Photo by Lance Cpl. Henry J. Antenor/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Henry Antenor

Cpl. Dylan M. Burke, right, and Cpl. Dylan L. Dedmon embark the M1161 internally transportable vehicle aboard an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Oct. 23 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. “The ITV is designed to fit inside aircraft hulls like the Osprey,” said Dedmon. “We can drive into or out of the hull and get carried off to our mission destination. Then once it lands, we can drive out just the same.” Dedmon and Burk are reconnaissance men with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Cpl. Dylan M. Burke, right, and Cpl. Dylan L. Dedmon embark the M1161 internally transportable vehicle aboard an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Oct. 23 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. “The ITV is designed to fit inside aircraft hulls like the Osprey,” said Dedmon. “We can drive into or out of the hull and get carried off to our mission destination. Then once it lands, we can drive out just the same.” Dedmon and Burk are reconnaissance men with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Henry J. Antenor

Lt. Col. Jason W. Julian, center right, presents a plaque of appreciation to Lt. Col. Nick Brown Oct. 28 at the Ie Shima Training Facility. Julian is the commanding officer of VMGR-152, MAG-36, 1st MAW, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of MWSS-172, 1st MAW.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran/Released)

Lt. Col. Jason W. Julian, center right, presents a plaque of appreciation to Lt. Col. Nick Brown Oct. 28 at the Ie Shima Training Facility. Julian is the commanding officer of VMGR-152, MAG-36, 1st MAW, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of MWSS-172, 1st MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

A KC-130J Hercules transport aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 executes a touch-and-go landing Oct. 29 on a reconditioned runway at the Ie Shima Training Facility. The newly-reconstructed coral runway is designed for KC-130J aircraft. VMGR-152 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran/Released)

A KC-130J Hercules transport aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 executes a touch-and-go landing Oct. 29 on a reconditioned runway at the Ie Shima Training Facility. The newly-reconstructed coral runway is designed for KC-130J aircraft. VMGR-152 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Marines with VMM-262 prepare a CH-46E for storage and disposition Sept. 30 on Camp Kinser after its last flight over Okinawa. The CH-46E Sea Knight, affectionately called “the Phrog,” has served with the Marine Corps and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 since the Vietnam War. The VMM-262 “Flying Tigers” have used the CH-46 to participate in engagements such as Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, Operation Unified Assistance in Southeast Asia, and, most recently, Operation Tomodachi in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami. After serving faithfully for decades, the Phrog’s service has ended, paving the way for the MV-22B Osprey to take over. The Marines are with VMM-262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines with VMM-262 prepare a CH-46E for storage and disposition Sept. 30 on Camp Kinser after its last flight over Okinawa. The CH-46E Sea Knight, affectionately called “the Phrog,” has served with the Marine Corps and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 since the Vietnam War. The VMM-262 “Flying Tigers” have used the CH-46 to participate in engagements such as Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, Operation Unified Assistance in Southeast Asia, and, most recently, Operation Tomodachi in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami. After serving faithfully for decades, the Phrog’s service has ended, paving the way for the MV-22B Osprey to take over. The Marines are with VMM-262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Lance Cpl. Ranieri A. Rotelli checks the CH-46E after it lands on Camp Kinser Sept. 30 after its last flight over Okinawa. The CH-46E Sea Knight, affectionately called “the Phrog,” has served with the Marine Corps and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 since the Vietnam War. The VMM-262 “Flying Tigers” have used the CH-46 to participate in engagements such as Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, Operation Unified Assistance in Southeast Asia, and, most recently, Operation Tomodachi in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami. After serving faithfully for decades, the Phrog’s service has ended, paving the way for the MV-22B Osprey to take over. Rotelli is an aircrew chief with VMM-262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Lance Cpl. Ranieri A. Rotelli checks the CH-46E after it lands on Camp Kinser Sept. 30 after its last flight over Okinawa. The CH-46E Sea Knight, affectionately called “the Phrog,” has served with the Marine Corps and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 since the Vietnam War. The VMM-262 “Flying Tigers” have used the CH-46 to participate in engagements such as Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, Operation Unified Assistance in Southeast Asia, and, most recently, Operation Tomodachi in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami. After serving faithfully for decades, the Phrog’s service has ended, paving the way for the MV-22B Osprey to take over. Rotelli is an aircrew chief with VMM-262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma